Aaron Parks – Little Big III

Here (at last) is the third instalment of Aaron Parks’ “Little Big” and, as with the two previous versions of this project, the magic happens from the very first notes.

Why is that?

First and foremost, the band’s sound is both original and totally classic in its elements. Parks cultivates a taste for harmonic, melodic and rhythmic simplicity, while subtly twisting the elements of its discourse to make them unique. The compositions – sometimes very brief – are often simple, such as this theme based on a haunting minimalist repetitive vamp, and this taste for less is more can be found in the piano solos, which sometimes appear like a limpid river flowing peacefully through an enchanting landscape.

This cult of freshness and even naivety is sometimes hard to believe, and one wonders how Parks can dare such candor. Greg Tuohey guitar’s place in the quartet is a little different, if only because, unlike the piano, it modifies its sound over the course of the tracks, going from a rather classically jazz sound to a dirtier, rockier, more saturated timbre.

The contrast between the two main soloists is particularly interesting in this respect, and is one of the main attractions of this music. As for the rhythmic pair (with Jongkuk Kim, a new drummer as enthusiastic as Tommy Crane on the two previous CDs), they provide an underpinning that is both dense and subtle.

Tonic, polyrhythmic and coloristic for the drums, deep and solidly built for David Ginyard Jr.’s double bass. With partners like these, Parks has all the elements he needs to offer music that is both seductive and readable, that should captivate a wide audience, and totally satisfy the most demanding jazz fans. A fine achievement, then, from a musician from whom we constantly expect the best.